Engage
This Is How We Transform Advocacy
The National Association of Public Defenders provides numerous events and training opportunities tosupoirt our members.
NAPD Racial Justice Conference 2026
- November 2-5, 2026
- Montgomery, AL
Get ready to #MeetUsInMontgomery for an immersive and transformative experience, designed to enhance your understanding of racial justice and your ability to fight for it in your work as a public defense professional! Featuring site visits to the Equal Justice Institute’s Legacy Museum, National Memorial For Peace & Justice, & the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.
Connect. Learn. Advocate.
Our conferences bring together the brightest minds in public defense for transformative learning experiences and meaningful connections.
From our flagship R3 Annual Virtual Training and other major conferences to our specialized institutes, NAPD events provide unparalleled opportunities to advance your practice and build lasting professional relationships.
NAPD Virtual Tech Expo
September 17-18 2026 • Virtual
NAPD We The Defenders Conference
October 7-9 2026 • Virtual
The Public Defense Community Virtual Hub
Join one of our active communities to ask questions, find support, network with others in the field, share resources and ideas, catch up on industry news, and shape the future of public defense across the nation.
Open Forum
Our primary online community, where all active members are welcome to share and connect on all things public defense.
Racial Justice & DEIJ
For defenders committed to confronting racial injustice and advancing equity within public defense and beyond
Policy & Legislative Advocacy
For defenders to discuss, strategize, and share resources around shaping policy, influencing legislation, and driving systemic change in public defense.
Communicators
For comms and outreach professionals to discuss, strategize, and share resources around telling the public defense story and building public support for the right to counsel.
Investigators
For public defense investigators to discuss, strategize, and share resources around building the strongest possible cases for their clients.
Social Workers
For social workers and related roles to discuss, strategize, and share resources around addressing the whole-person needs of clients and advocating for their humanity in the legal process
Core Staff
For the administrative and operational professionals who keep public defense offices running to connect, share resources, and support one another’s work.
Trainers
For public defense educators and trainers to discuss, strategize, and share resources around building defender skills and raising the standard of practice nationwide.
NAPD Jobs Board
The NAPD Jobs Board connects public defense employers with a national community of dedicated defenders and advocates. Listings are publicly visible on our website, making it easy to get the word out about opportunities in your office.
Posting is free for all NAPD Organizational Members and Directors & Deputies Section members, and every listing is limited to public defense and public defender advocacy positions, keeping our board focused and relevant for the community it serves.
Whether you’re a student looking for internships, brand new to the field looking for your first public defense job, or a seasoned defender looking for a new challenge, our jobs board has opportunities for you!
Contribute To The Work That Shapes Our Future
Join one of our active committees to collaborate with peers and shape the future of public defense across the nation.
Amicus Committee
Advancing the rights of public defenders and their clients by identifying and filing amicus briefs in significant litigation across the country.
Systems Builders Committee
Fortifying public defense systems nationwide through mentorship, policy development, and rapid response to emerging threats to the right to counsel.
Workloads Committee
Equipping defenders and their leaders with the data, tools, and advocacy strategies needed to end excessive caseloads and secure necessary resources.
Stand With Us For Justice
Join thousands of public defenders working to transform the criminal justice system and ensure equal access to quality representation for all.